Rise Asset Development has arisen in London, Ontario making it the third community in Ontario where the program is available. The RISE program provides loans and mentorship to young entrepreneurs with a history of mental health or addiction challenges. The organization is known for its willingness to give people a chance and help foster and develop ideas in spite of financial or social barriers.
“Rise looks beyond your credit score. For us it is about character-based lending. We look at the whole person, where they are at in their lives and what they are trying to do,” said Jodi Butts, executive director, Rise Asset Development. “We want them to be put in positions to succeed and contribute to the betterment of the community.”
Rise London is in partnership with the Ivey Business School and multiple community agencies that provide employment and social services, such as WOTCH Community Mental Health Services, Goodwill Industries, United Way of London and Middlesex, London Small Business Centre, Emerging Leaders, Mindyourmind and Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU).
RISE London offers an advisory group of senior leaders and business and social mentors and loans up to $25,000 for participants who successfully complete its program.
To learn more about Rise Asset Development, which also has a presence in Toronto and Ottawa, or how to enroll in the program, visit the program website.